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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9

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NASA NTRS2016

Technology Development and Design of a Hybrid Mars Ascent Vehicle Concept

Hybrid propulsion has been investigated as an enhancing technology for a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) concept as part of potential Mars Sample Return (MSR) because of its high specific impulse, restartability, and the ability to operate and survive at extremely low temperatures. A new wax-based hybrid fuel formulation has been developed that could withstand the harsh and variable Mars environment protected solely by a minimal layer of passive insulation. This formulation could provide substantial energy savings for a notional lander and is critical for rover mobility. Preliminary thermal cycle testing has determined that the formulation can survive the expected temperature extremes and lifetime thermal testing is currently underway. A complete preliminary design using this new fuel formulation combined with a low temperature oxidizer such as Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON30) is presented. Several key features associated with a complete hybrid MAV concept are investigated to determine their mission suitability (e.g. Thrust Vector Control and restartable ignition options). Potential challenges along a path towards developing such a system are outlined and future work is suggested as a means of technology maturation. The hybrid design presented here was the lowest Gross Lift Off Mass (GLOM) result of a 2015 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) led MAV concept study.

Karp, Ashley C.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Energy Efficient Large-Scale Storage of Liquid Hydrogen

The world’s largest liquid hydrogen storage tanks were constructed in the mid-1960sat the NASA Kennedy Space Center. These two vacuum-jacketed, perlite powder insulated tanks, still in service today, have 3,200 m3 of useable capacity. In 2018, construction began on an additional storage tank at Launch Complex 39B. This new tank will give an additional storage capacity of 4,700 m3 for a total on-site storage capacity of roughly 8,000 m3. NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) heavy lift rocket for the Artemis program includes an LH2tank that makes up the bulk of the vehicle, holding 2,033 m3 of LH2 in its 8.4-m diameter by40-m height. The new storage tank includes two new energy-efficient technologies: a glass bubbles insulation system in lieu of perlite, and an Integrated Refrigeration and Storage (IRAS)heat exchanger for controlled storage capability. The evacuated glass bubbles insulation system is based on the prior two decades of research to prove the thermal performance benefits as well as the mechanical and vacuum integrity; and has been shown to reduce LH2 boiloff by 46%versus perlite in field demonstrations. The IRAS capability is centered on a heat exchanger system that is built within the inner vessel to reject heat from the bulk liquid through the future implementation of an external helium refrigerator. Controlled storage via IRAS, when fully implemented, will provide full control of the ullage pressure, zero boiloff, and even production of densified LH2 pending its adoption on future launch vehicles. The design basics are described along with main construction and testing processes involved. The key features of the new technology items and implications on simplified operations and long-term energy savings are addressed

cryogenics↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Reference Command Optimization for the Transition Flight Mode of a Lift plus Cruise Vehicle

Advanced air mobility mainly utilizes vehicles that are capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) for the simplicity of operation and large-scale deployment. However, VTOL vehicles need specialized trajectory and command design for the transition phase, where the vehicles transition between rotor-borne flight and wing-borne flight. Since VTOL vehicles are commonly designed as over-actuated systems for redundancy, one challenge that arises is actuator ambiguity, where it is unclear how to uniquely command actuators for the VTOL vehicle to track a given trajectory. We propose a method to design optimal reference commands for the transition mode. By formulating an 𝑙 1 -norm cost function on the rotor thrusts of the vehicle, we can achieve economical operation of the rotors such that they only operate when necessary and efficiently utilize the aerodynamics to save energy from reduced rotor actuation. We validate our approach in simulations and show its benefit compared to the commonly used differential flatness-based method.

John L Bullock↗

NASA NTRS2026

Application of Energy-efficient Electromagnetic Melt-Processing for the Upcycling of Recycled Polyphenylene Sulfide into Multifunctional Segregated Nanocomposites

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is widely used in structural and functional composites because of its thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. As circular manufacturing becomes increasingly important, extending the service life of recycled PPS (rPPS) is essential. However, conventional high-temperature reprocessing accelerates thermo-oxidative degradation, reducing recycled composite performance. This study proposes a rapid and potentially energy-saving upcycling strategy for rPPS using electromagnetic (EM) melt-processing to form segregated carbon nanotube (CNT) networks and produce EM-responsive nanocomposites. The aim was to determine whether CNT-assisted EM heating could reduce polymer degradation while improving multifunctional properties at ultralow filler loadings. rPPS micropellets were coated with CNTs by ball milling to create conductive shells, then compacted into green bodies (GBs) and selectively melted by rapid EM irradiation. Structural, electrical, mechanical, rheological, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties were evaluated. Electrical percolation occurred at an ultralow CNT loading of 0.08 wt%, with conductivity reaching (1.24 ± 0.74) × 10 -5 S⋅m -1 at 0.1 wt%. At this concentration, tensile strength and modulus increased by 72% and 99%, respectively. At ~ 0.7 mm thickness, X-band EMI shielding effectiveness reached 6 dB for GBs and 3 dB after EM processing. This shows that EM melt-processing upcycles rPPS into high-performance multifunctional nanocomposites with minimum thermal degradation.

recycled↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Alternating Direct Current (ADC) - A New Form of Efficient Energy Transmission for Renewable Sources

The prevailing means of electricity transmission through Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) have limitations with the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources. In this paper, we discuss a new form of energy transmission, known as alternating direct current (ADC) that would provide significant savings in energy consumption and simultaneously allow efficient utilization of generated energy from renewable sources. This has become possible due to substantial advances in electronics and optoelectronics technologies since the days of Nicholas Tesla and Thomas Edison. Recent efforts of implementing the proposed ADC technology in relevant environments have demonstrated significant energy savings and opened a new paradigm that has the potential to provide an efficient and cost-effective pathway for transition to renewable energy sources even with the existing grid infrastructure. The DC power utilization initiated by Thomas Edison can be stored in battery arrangement but suffers from line loss and hence is not efficient for long-distance transmission. However, AC power developed by Nicholas Tesla cannot be stored efficiently but can be transmitted over long distances due to significantly lower line losses. Currently, AC power is the global foundational energy transmission methodology used because of events that took place over 135 years ago involving Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse, and since AC power can transmit long distances from power plants to end users efficiently and economically. Approximately 50 years ago, the introduction of semiconductors in commercialized electronic devices and products changed the way people consume electricity. Also, over the years, the expanding adaptation of nonlinear loads has adversely affected the grid stability and hence the utility infrastructures worldwide.

AC↗

NASA NTRS2007

Thin, Light, Flexible Heaters Save Time and Energy

The Icing Branch at NASA's Glenn Research Center uses the Center's Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) and Icing Research Aircraft to research methods for evaluating and simulating the growth of ice on aircraft, the effects that ice may have on aircraft in flight, and the development and effectiveness of various ice protection and detection systems. EGC Enterprises Inc. (EGC), of Chardon, Ohio, used the IRT to develop thermoelectric thin-film heater technology to address in-flight icing on aircraft wings. Working with researchers at Glenn and the original equipment manufacturers of aircraft parts, the company tested various thin, flexible, durable, lightweight, and efficient heaters. Development yielded a thin-film heater technology that can be used in many applications in addition to being an effective deicer for aircraft. This new thermoelectric heater was dubbed the QoFoil Rapid Response Thin-Film Heater, or QoFoil, for short. The product meets all criteria for in-flight use and promises great advances in thin-film, rapid response heater technology for a broad range of industrial applications. Primary advantages include time savings, increased efficiency, and improved temperature uniformity. In addition to wing deicing, EGC has begun looking at the material's usefulness for applications including cooking griddles, small cabinet heaters, and several laboratory uses.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1980

Cogeneration Technology Alternatives Study (CTAS). Volume 5: Cogeneration systems results

The use of various advanced energy conversion systems is examined and compared with each other and with current technology systems for savings in fuel energy, costs, and emissions in individual plants and on a national level. About fifty industrial processes from the largest energy consuming sectors were used as a basis for matching a similar number of energy conversion systems that are considered as candidate which can be made available by the 1985 to 2000 time period. The sectors considered included food, textiles, lumber, paper, chemicals, petroleum, glass, and primary metals. The energy conversion systems included steam and gas turbines, diesels, thermionics, stirling, closed cycle and steam injected gas turbines, and fuel cells. Fuels considered were coal, both coal and petroleum based residual and distillate liquid fuels, and low Btu gas obtained through the on site gasification of coal. The methodology and results of matching the cogeneration energy conversion systems to approximately 50 industrial processes are described. Results include fuel energy saved, levelized annual energy cost saved, return on investment, and operational factors relative to the noncogeneration base cases.

Gerlaugh, H. E.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Results for an Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Design Exploration

An electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) design exploration study was performed to determine the impact of EAP technologies on a set of regional transport aircraft concepts. A range of aircraft sizes and types were assessed, including 18, 48, and 70 passenger turboprops, as well as 50 and 78 passenger turbofan aircraft configurations. A previous paper discussed the approaches, technology assumptions, and tools used to carry out the design exploration. The study team designed a series of baseline and advanced EAP aircraft concepts based on existing reference aircraft in the fleet. We then conducted a set of parametric trade studies on the EAP aircraft to better understand the design and performance implications of EAP. This paper documents results from the trade studies, including battery weight versus motor size, climb hybrid power versus cruise hybrid power, and range vs. battery specific energy. Assuming a 500 W-hr/kg battery specific energy, the turboprop aircraft demonstrated a significant fuel savings and modest energy savings. The turbofan aircraft demonstrated no fuel or energy benefits from electrification. In addition, operating cost results are presented on the most promising EAP designs. The cost analysis revealed that the EAP aircraft concepts were not competitive with their baselines, mainly due to the additional depreciation and interest cost for the much heavier and more expensive EAP aircraft.

Ty V Marien↗

NASA NTRS1977

The House that NASA Built

Tech House, located at NASA's Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, is a demonstration project in which aerospace and commercial building technology are combined to produce an energy-efficient home. Advanced technology offers savings to the family in utility costs and energy conservation. Solar panels on the roof of tech house provide the principal energy saving. They capture the sun's rays to heat water in pipes that run through the solar collectors. The heated water is then stored in a large, well insulated underground tank. A heat exchanger extracts beat from the water and blows it through ducts to warm the house. Tech House is well insulated for energy savings. The principal insulation is fireproof Tripolymer foam which is sprayed onto walls and ceilings in thicknesses up to six inches.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1990

Simple analyses of paths through windshears and downdrafts

Quasi-steady analysis and energy-state approximation are employed to study flight paths through windshears and downdrafts. Takeoff flight is mainly considerd while landing flight is briefly discussed. The relation between angle of attack and airspeed is found to be almost independent of horizontal wind and slightly dependent on vertical wind. In slowly-varying windshears and/or downdrafts, quasi-steady flight can be achieved by flying an aircraft at a lower than nominal climb rate; this will avoid stall. In severe windshears and/or downdrafts, energy-state approximation indicates that descending paths save more energy and provide higher survival capability.

Zhao, Yiyuan↗

NASA NTRS1980

Thermal Energy Storage: Fourth Annual Review Meeting

The development of low cost thermal energy storage technologies is discussed in terms of near term oil savings, solar energy applications, and dispersed energy systems for energy conservation policies. Program definition and assessment and research and technology development are considered along with industrial storage, solar thermal power storage, building heating and cooling, and seasonal thermal storage. A bibliography on seasonal thermal energy storage emphasizing aquifer thermal energy is included.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2017

Multifunctional Structures for High-Energy Lightweight Load-Bearing Storage

The Multifunctional Structures for High Energy Lightweight Load-bearing Storage (M-SHELLS) subproject is evaluating the feasibility of a structural hybrid super-capacitor concept, drawn from recent nano-technology advances in both electrochemistry and microstructures to create a transformative multi-functional airframe material which carries structural load and stores energy to save weight and enable electric aero propulsion. Multi-disciplinary engineering approach assures high energy storage and power levels, as well as good mechanical attributes.

Loyselle, Patricia↗

NASA NTRS1978

Identification of cost effective energy conservation measures

In addition to a successful program of readily implemented conservation actions for reducing building energy consumption at Kennedy Space Center, recent detailed analyses have identified further substantial savings for buildings representative of technical facilities designed when energy costs were low. The techniques employed for determination of these energy savings consisted of facility configuration analysis, power and lighting measurements, detailed computer simulations and simulation verifications. Use of these methods resulted in identification of projected energy savings as large as $330,000 a year (approximately two year break-even period) in a single building. Application of these techniques to other commercial buildings is discussed

Bierenbaum, H. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Potential benefits from a successful solar thermal program

Solar energy systems were investigated which complement nuclear and coal technologies as a means of reducing the U.S. dependence on imported petroleum. Solar Thermal Energy Systems (STES) represents an important category of solar energy technologies. STES can be utilized in a broad range of applications servicing a variety of economic sectors, and they can be deployed in both near-term and long-term markets. The net present value of the energy cost savings attributable to electric utility and IPH applications of STES were estimated for a variety of future energy cost scenarios and levels of R&D success. This analysis indicated that the expected net benefits of developing an STES option are significantly greater than the expected costs of completing the required R&D. In addition, transportable fuels and chemical feedstocks represent a substantial future potential market for STES. Due to the basic nature of this R&D activity, however, it is currently impossible to estimate the value of STES in these markets. Despite this fact, private investment in STES R&D is not anticipated due to the high level of uncertainty characterizing the expected payoffs.

Terasawa, K. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Solar thermal technologies - Potential benefits to U.S. utilities and industry

Terasawa, K. L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Optimal force distribution for payload positioning using a planar dual-arm robot

This paper presents a parameter optimization technique for deciding the force distribution on a payload being transported along a predetermined trajectory using two planar manipulator arms. The methodology begins by transforming the singular dynamics of two-arm transport to an ordinary set of differential equations and then proceeds to obtain a relation between the torques exerted by each arm. This relation is then used in a quadratic torque cost which is subsequently minimized to yield an optimal torque distribution. Significant savings in energy were found to occur when the arms were allowed to interact by transmission of forces through the payload. Even more significant are the savings found over one-arm transport of payloads where the arm torques are fixed by the prescribed trajectory.

Carignan, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Potential reduction of DSN uplink energy cost

DSN Earth stations typically transmit more power than that required to meet minimum specifications for uplink performance. Energy and cost savings that could result from matching the uplink power to the amount required for specified performance are studied. The Galileo mission was selected as a case study. Although substantial reduction in transmitted energy is possible, potential savings in source energy (oil or electricity) savings are much less. This is because of the rising inefficiency in power conversion and radio frequency power generation that accompanies reduced power output.

Dolinsky, S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

An evaluation of the NASA Tech House, including live-in test results, volume 1

The NASA Tech House was designed and constructed at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, to demonstrate and evaluate new technology potentially applicable for conservation of energy and resources and for improvements in safety and security in a single-family residence. All technology items, including solar-energy systems and a waste-water-reuse system, were evaluated under actual living conditions for a 1 year period with a family of four living in the house in their normal lifestyle. Results are presented which show overall savings in energy and resources compared with requirements for a defined similar conventional house under the same conditions. General operational experience and performance data are also included for all the various items and systems of technology incorporated into the house design.

Abbott, I. H. A.↗